Emerging Conservative

The following is a poll I did on my My Space and I thought I’d share some of the responses I got from Christians and Non-Christians alike…..

Yes, I’m a pastor but I want you to be honest…..the only thing I ask is you keep your language clean…….

So what do you think of Christians? Churches? Ect?

I would appreciate any thoughts you may share on all sides of the topic……

“True Christians… people who follow Christ… are evident by their love, grace, and kindness. They can disagree with someone without damning them. They can show grace, even to those who don’t deserve it.

Now, the rest of these yahoos who just point fingers… well… um… oh, look at the time! Nite nite!” - Dave

“I think the ‘christians’ that are on-line seem to be more ‘real’ then the ones you see walking around at the different churches every sunday. Honestly, I think they are to judgemental, the places that I have been! I have piercings in my lip, eyebrow and I got my ears gauged and I dress how I want, baggy clothes….more times then not, I get the stares and yeah, no one comes up to talk to you, it’s like your infected with a disease that they could catch!

Honestly, I think I know more non-christians that are more ‘real’ and open, tons more accepting then most of the ‘christians’ that I have met. Maybe we should come in and do a Intervention for the church? Teach them how to treat people. Instead of… ok, your saved…NEXT!” - TemptingFate

“What do I think of Christians? I think most are hipacritical. I also think most are judgemental and are not very excepting of most others. That being said, I don’t think they are that way on purpose. I think it’s human nature. Unfortunately, sometimes as a Christian we are under the magnifying glass, constantly being looked upon and constantly being judged by non-Christians. We are humans, we make mistakes, it’s unfortunate, but ultimately, it’s how God created us. We are taught not to judge, we are taught to except others as is, sometimes it just doesn’t happen.

As for churches, we have finally found one that we feel like we belong. We have looked for at least a year and both my husband and I felt that a lot of the churches we attended just wanted $$ from us. While I strongly doubt that is the case, it was definitely how it was presented during the worship service. Also, sometimes you go to churches so big, with such a huge congregation, I feel like a fish out of water. That’s not the kind we were looking for, we were looking for a more family feel. I love the church we attend now, and yes, I know there is no such thing a perfect church, there is such a thing as a perfect church for you!!!

Just my two cents - great poll Tom!! :-)” - Emily

“I think Christians are wounded just like everyone else. For some reason, non-Christians expect us to be perfect and do everything right and say everything right; when we don’t, we’re hypocrites, when they don’t, they’re human. We’re all a mess; that’s why we need Christ. The only difference between Christians and non-Christians (true Christians) is that we’ve admitted it and our inability to fix everything on our own. Yes, people in churches mess up when it comes to people who are living in a way that’s unfamiliar to us, but who doesn’t. I mean, I get looks when other blacks don’t think I’m “black enough”. Why are the Christians always the ones who are vilified? I think it’s because people don’t like to be confronted with the truth that we are all sinners. The next time you go to a church where you feel unwelcome or you think there are hypocrites, you’re probably right. However, remember that a church is like a hospital; it’s for the sick. We need Jesus, bottom line.” - Monica

“Well, coming from a Christian’s viewpoint and truly hearing what people have said about “Christians” all over the world….I have some advice.

The word “Christian,” in my opinion, should no longer be used. Yes, I know it was first used in Antioch, describing followers of Christ, but for 2007 several things have changed since then. Many people think (especially Americans) that because they are not muslim, jew, or hindu….that they fall under the category of Christian. That simply is not the case. Being a Christian means following God’s Word, listening to God when He speaks, and truly having a one on one relationship with the Creator.

The term “Christian” has been slandered in the mud….by hypocrites and non-followers. We should instead call ourselves—Christ followers. This tells people who we are willing to live and die for. The term Christian is no longer an accurate description of our calling.” - Deana